Hip-Hop is Black Culture
Hip-Hop is Black Culture. Yeah, we hear that a lot today whenever people talk about the origins of Hip-Hop. Frankly, people use it whenever they try to discredit a white person such as Eminem, G-Eazy and Action Bronson from rapping. While that argument is honest and very emotionally charred, it might not be the best one. Hip-Hop is a part of black culture, but it also originates from black cultures around the world.
Hip-Hop has a distinct voice as it is from the Big Apple, New York City. African-American culture is completely weaved into rap as we know it today. Most of the terms that were used, such as “breaking”, “sampling” and “rapping” all come from the city that never sleeps and the black culture that survived through the burning of the city. If that isn’t enough, Busta Rhymes? The Notorious B.I.G.? Jay Z? Cardi B? All from New York; all of them shifting the culture.
If I am to speak of the East, I have to profess that some of the best come from the West. Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre and Kendrick Lamar - who are all playing at the SuperBowl this year - represent that. The conscious element of the culture and chilled back vibe. There is no “Alright” without “F*** the Police” by NWA. Forget sampling as we know it today without the G-Funk and all of the innovations that the West Coast brought to the culture.
Off to the islands, notably Jamaica and Haiti. Guys like Haitian Jack brought Hip-Hop as we know it to fruition. As well, one can not remove the influence of reggae and dancehall culture eventually had on the culture that we love. In I Got A Story to Tell, Voletta Wallace speaks on her son’s influence, that being Jamaican parties and the music that he heard on the island. All of this, comes from the griot and sub-saharan African culture that were brought to North America by slavery.
What do I mean, therefore, when I claim that Hip-Hop is black culture? Why present to you all of these different origin points? It’s to show you that no one can single handedly appropriate black culture, nor Hip-Hop. Chances are that you may be wearing pants right now, and most likely, your culture didn’t create pants. As humans, it is so hard to create, therefore we learn to take and recreate and innovate to the best of our abilities. It’s the most that we can do.
Therefore, celebrate black culture by showing it to the world. Show others how we can appreciate it better, love the people better and stand up for what is right.. Don’t shut us in, to shut people out.
How have you been celebrating Black History Month? If you celebrate, how do you show your colors during this time? Sound off in the comments below, follow on Instagram at @YongeEntertainment for more unfiltered comments on rap, the community, and music in general.